Katelyn A. Cook

Katelyn A. Cook is a partner at Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson & Ashmore, LLP in Rapid City, South Dakota. Her practice centers on complex civil litigation, including personal injury, insurance litigation, construction law, corporate litigation, and contested estate litigation. Cook represents clients in matters that require detailed factual development, legal analysis, motion practice, negotiation, and trial preparation. Her work extends across state and federal forums and involves disputes with significant financial and personal consequences.

Cook earned a Juris Doctor, summa cum laude, from Arizona Summit Law School in 2015. She received a B.S. in Chemistry and Spanish from the University of South Dakota in 2011 and graduated as an Honors Scholar. Her scientific and language studies, combined with rigorous legal training, support a detail-oriented approach to evidence and legal issues. That academic background is useful in litigation involving technical facts, complicated records, and competing expert or business positions.

Cook has handled civil jury trials and arbitrations as first-chair counsel and has obtained multiple judgments exceeding one million dollars. Her litigation experience includes matters before South Dakota courts, the South Dakota Supreme Court, and the US Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. She works on injury claims, insurance disputes, construction matters, corporate conflicts, and contested estates, guiding clients through discovery, hearings, settlement discussions, and trial when necessary.

Katelyn A. Cook is admitted in South Dakota and several federal courts, including the US District Court for the District of South Dakota, the Eighth Circuit, and the US Court of Federal Claims. Her practice combines courtroom experience with focused preparation for complex disputes. She helps clients evaluate evidence, understand litigation risk, develop case strategy, and pursue practical resolutions in matters involving injuries, insurance, construction, businesses, and estates.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson and Ashmore, LLP
• Member, State Bar of South Dakota
• Board Chair, Junior Achievement
• Emerging Leader, Rapid City Collective Impact
• Board Member, Visit Rapid City
• Graduate, Leadership Rapid City (2019)

Licensed State

• South Dakota

Education

• Arizona Summit Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of South Dakota
  Bachelor of Science (BS) in Chemistry and Spanish

Awards & Badges